Google Glass and Technological Determinism

It appears that the future is here. 

Google Glass is finally available to the public. And even though we're not sure how this new technology will disrupt the economy (or society), one things for certain; things will never be the same. It also seems to have been the next logical step, in an ongoing progression of technological advances. 

This got me thinking about what direction we're taking as a civilization. 

My conclusion?

Dubious...

Why? 

Because it appears that technological determinism may have merit.

For those who are unaware of what that the term means, I'll enlighten you. Technological determinism basically states that technology directs society based on it's own needs rather than human evolution. The computer is a great example. In its early stages, computers were quite simple, allowing humans to conduct complex calculations. Now they've proliferated into every home, car, and hand (think smart phone), in the world.

The question is: 

Was this our doing, or did technology direct us toward this reality?

The premise may seem a bit far fetched. But there’s actually quite a bit of merit to both the Utopian and dystopian views that have evolved over time. One suggests that technology advances humanity to new levels of innovation and freedom. These soft determinists, believe that technology guides human evolution, but we have the choice to change the course at any moment.The other states that it is directing our culture to self destruction and enslavement.  This sect would be considered the hard determinists. They predict that technology forces society in directions that are beneficial to its own development/expansion. 

Basically it's the age old argument of fate versus destiny.

Both ideas seem plausible, which would lead me to believe that they’re two sides of the same coin. At first one might think this is contradictory. But, to the contrary, humans are multifaceted beings and therefore the problems we face--and hence the future that lies before us--must also have layers and contradictions.

Let me also be very clear. I believe technology is neutral.

I will use a chair as an example. Primitive as it may be, it is a technology. A chair has no agenda. It’s intended purpose is to sit. And yet humans have found several other uses for the chair.

To name a few…

1. They can stand on it t change a light-bulb.
2. They can prop it against the door to fend off intruders.
3. They can use it to defend themselves against circus lions.
4. They can also take that same chair and use it as a weapon.
5. It can be used as firewood.  

The point is, in each of the situations the chair does not care how it’s used (or if it is used). The chair is neutral. It’s the human who wields the chair that decides whether or not it is used for progress, utility, or destruction. 

And yet just like computers, chairs are ubiquitous. No mater what country in the world you go to, there is a chair.

The same applies to technology.

It’s also worth noting that humans could sit long before chairs were invented. However, once this technology was adopted, it paved the way for future advancements. Most notably in transportation and business. Could you imagine how difficult it would be to fly on a plane, drive in your car, or work at your desk without a chair? Some hardcore proponents of technological determinism would claim that we’ve been manipulated to use the chair in this way. I would suggest that it’s more of an evolution than a manipulation.  

If we look at World War II and the events that lead up to the clash of nations, we can see that technology played a vital role in determining the outcome.Throughout the war there were several ground-breaking innovations in warfare. None more powerful than the atomic bomb. It seems as though all of the battles and death culminated in the creation of this ultimate weapon. Humanity was forever changed by that one terrible discovery. But was it the technology that caused us to partake in such atrocious acts? Or was it the people behind the technology? And yet, if it wasn’t for this event in our history, we would not have advanced to where we are now. Several aspects of society were changed. Politics, economy, energy, etc... How will these changes affect us in the future? Will they pave the way for further advancements?

The other question we must ask ourselves is this:

If technological determinism is correct, then what direction is the human race being steered towards? Do we lose our humanity the more dependent we become on technology? Or do these enhancements just magnify our humanity?

Given the fact that our society has become global, it would seem as though the next logical step would be space expansion--the colonization our solar system. There are already missions to Mars planned for 2030. Perhaps what we call technological determinism is just a higher form of evolution. I would imagine that both atomic energy and chairs will play major roles in getting a man to Mars. If you ask me, it’s probably fair to say that both the invention of the chair, and nuclear technology will be used facilitate the Martian pilgrims on their mission to expand our reach.

The question is, will we consciously choose what direction we go, or will we allow technology to make the decision for us?